Having once got its tentacles fastened on
to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter
for the country to relieve itself of the institution. Then, when we
rid ourselves of prejudice, or racial feeling, and look facts in the
face, we must acknowledge that, notwithstanding the cruelty and moral
wrong of slavery, the ten million Negroes inhabiting this country, who
themselves or whose ancestors went through the school of American
slavery, are in a stronger and more hopeful condition, materially,
intellectually, morally, and religiously, than is true of an equal
number of black people in any other portion of the globe. This is so
to such an extend that Negroes in this country, who themselves or
whose forefathers went through the school of slavery, are constantly
returning to Africa as missionaries to enlighten those who remained in
the fatherland. This I say, not to justify slavery -- on the other
hand, I condemn it as an institution, as we all know that in America
it was established for selfish and financial reasons, and not from a
missionary motive -- but to call attention to a fact, and to show how
Providence so often uses men and institutions to accomplish a purpose.
When persons ask me in these days how, in the midst of what sometimes
seem hopelessly discouraging conditions, I can have such faith in the
future of my race in this country, I remind them of the wilderness
through which and out of which, a good Providence has already led us.
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